Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Perhaps the announcement would have been a smoother transaction if it were done in a slow jammed the news ala Jimmy Fallon.

But just after tObama's announcement there was the happy coincidence of the $15 million Hollywood fundraiser. And the Washington (Com)Post was able to gin up a book length top of the fold story about Governor Mitt Romney's (R-MA) high school antics 47 years ago against a student who was mistakenly attributed as being gay.

Playing off of this incongruity his rhetorically premature demise, Biden made the sign of the cross and folded his hands in prayer for comedic effect. The assembled rabbis took no umbrage in this faux faithful gesture and laughed, but the host who could not see the Jester-in-Chief’s gesture seemed rattled until the VP filled him in.

Thursday, May 10, 2012

To celebrate BBC Scotland's 60th anniversary, the noon-time Reporting Scotland had a special news reader--none other than the Duke of Rothsay/the Prince of Wales a.k.a. Prince Charles.

The first in line to the British throne had a couple of stumbles in his report. It was both untelegenic and kind of creepy that Prince Charles had one hand in his suit jacket as he started his tv spot. Moreover Prince Charles also had a couple of stumbles reading the teleprompter, which he tried to pass off by droll ad lib quips.

May this royal razzle dazzle not give any ideas to people on this side of the pond. Otherwise Today might be graced by the Celebrity in Chief. This might cause Al Roker to fade away to nothing.

Father Patrick Conroy, S.J. is the Chaplain for the House of Representatives in Washington, DC. House Speaker John Boener (R-OH 8th ) nominated the formerly Oregon based Jesuit last May as Republicans took the helm in the 112th Congress.

During an interview with Jesuit Magazine, he was asked if his flock was the most reviled congregation in the country. Conroy quipped that he had been a chaplain at San Quinton prison, but that he was not making any comparisons

Seriously, Conroy notes that many members are faith filled. While some are firmly convicted others hope that they are acting in faith. But how practicing one’s faith is manifest depends upon their poltical stife as some believe that caring for the poor is the role for churches. Conversely, others apply social justice through ever expanding government programs for the War on Poverty.

When Chaplain Conroy ministers to Members of the House, he invokes the advice of St. Thomas Aquinas to follow one’s conscience and to be honest with oneself.

Conroy was coy about his convictions as the House Chaplain needs to be neutral on matters of public policy. That being said, Conroy urged constituents to communicate with their Congressmen, even if that politician was not their pick, as the Member is still representing you.

Vice President Joe Biden appeared on a special Teen Tournament edition of Jeopardy. The Obama/Biden razzle dazzle extended to the venerable game show with Alex Trebek, where the second in line to the Presidency was reduced to giving video clues about automobiles to those too young to exercise their franchise.

Monday, May 7, 2012

Politicians love photo-ops, especially during an election year, as it is free earned media. But those engaging in those moments of publicity ought to be certain to choose situations which flatter them as well as conveying a desired spin.

Here is a picture of the opening of the Houston Dynamo's new soccer stadium, highlighted by the presence of Representative Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX 18th).

It was not generally thought that Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee had a SHOE loose.

But considering her safe Congressional seat and her notable quotables, does it really matter other than for political schadenfreude?

Friday, May 4, 2012

At least those who built the Pyramids in ancient Egypt were paid in beer. Perhaps we can all enjoy Dogfish Head's Ta Kenket, which was what brewer Sam Calagione modeled after the Pharoah worker's libation.

Celebrating the 35th anniversary of the original Star Wars. The film, "Star Wars Episode IV- a New Hope" was the start of a cosmic cinematic serial about the forces of good triumphing over the dark side.

Although writer/director/producer Ray Griggs did not generate boffo business at the boxoffice with his first film, "I Want Your Money" still exudes a charm with its clear, conside and comedic explanation on the evils of "spreading the wealth."

The computer animation gently pokes fun at the foibles of politicos on both side of the aisle as demonstrates the virtues of a free market which encourages competition.

Even though the film barely broke on its shoestring budget, some videos from the film have gone viral. The Gipper's lesson is one what we should remember during this election year.